‘Cohousing’ has existed in Denmark since the 1970s, and today about 5% families have been won over by the concept. In Flanders, cohousing first appeared some 20 years ago. Brussels and Wallonia have now also discovered the concept, which combines the privacy of individual homes with shared functions and a social ethos that brings neighbours together.

Eef Tanghe, manager of Cohousing Projects (Ghent), a recognised cooperative company offering professional services for cohousing: “With cohousing you have privately owned dwellings which are kept fairly compact and communal areas in a conventional co-ownership set-up, which are used however the residents jointly decide. Everyone can do their own thing – such as gardening, for example – and can put ideas into practice either on their own or with other residents. Cohousing is definitely not the same as living together in one house.”

Cohousing projects consist of 8 to 34 fully-equipped private homes (with private kitchen and bathroom), plus common facilities such as a ‘central building’ with guest rooms, a pedestrian street, playgrounds, relaxation areas and so on. Those interested in the formula can decide for themselves whether a smaller or larger cohousing project is preferable.

There is a lot of interest in cities because cohousing can provide answers to a number of urban development issues such as the need for smarter space use, the demand for quiet neighbourhoods with safe spaces for children to play, more compact building, more conservation of green spaces and attention to water management.